Jun 18, 2012

Rev. Matt Messner led the invocation and there was no
pledge, presumably because no flag was to be found in the crowded Conference
Center Room at St. Joseph
Hospital.

Program

While we were busy wolfing down tasty sandwiches, Paul
McGinty, our host for the day, welcomed us to St. Joseph Hospital.
He reminded us that the $13 million dollars raised from our local community the
past 6 years helped us make a $26 million dollar down payment on the hospital
reconstruction project, often referred to as “The Tower.” The chief motivation
for the project is the 1991 earthquake mandate that says hospitals must be able
to withstand an 8.0 magnitude quake.

John Goossens, Director of Construction Services, introduced
himself to the club and after chiding Paul for making excuses, proceeded to
make excuses for the tardy completion of “The Tower.” He nevertheless is
hopeful that it will be stocked and staffed by August, and ready to be licensed
and open by this November.

Club member Christian Hill, who is with St. Joseph Area Development
Offices, introduced himself as our third tour guide. So we split into three
groups and set off on our tour of The Tower at St. Joe’s, following Paul, John
or Christian. For my self, I chose ‘Christian’ as our guide since we were
touring a Catholic hospital, even though 'Paul' and 'John' are also Biblical
names.

First we entered the new Emergency Room (ER). Christian
emphasized that it is three times larger than the current ER, which seems a
good idea given the amount of crowding one can experience in the old ER. Our
guide was also quick to point out that every effort was made to divest the new
Tower of a sterile, antiseptic look. It appeared more like a nice hotel than a
hospital to this reporter. The large number of trauma rooms were impressive as
well as aesthetically pleasing. The new rooms feature some mind boggling hi
tech medical equipment including a negative air flow room and cardiac cath lab
machines that are state of the art. The heart care unit looks very impressive
and intends to make our hospital an inviting cardiac unity for northern California.

St. Joe’s currently is licensed for 146 beds and Redwood
Memorial for about 25 beds. We next came to the new main entrance; again the
term “nothing sterile” aptly described the look. The large amounts of light
streaming in from almost every angle created an inviting atmosphere.

There were large monitors in every unit: reminding us of an
airport terminal. This should help people to locate their patient. Questions
were raised about HIPAA compliance in light of these ubiquitous monitors.
Christian went into a lengthy lecture on the importance of HIPAA.

Next we toured some of the 8 rooms in the surgery center:
again filled with state of the art equipment from floor to ceiling—but mostly
Skytron ceiling by design. While the total number of surgery suites will be
about the same as currently in operation, they will be much more
technologically advance once the new unit opens.

Speaking of hi-tech: Christian mentioned the DaVinci unit
that enhances the view for the surgeons and thus their accuracy for surgical
procedures. He added that it could also save the surgeon’s back and thus
prolong one’s surgical career. We next viewed more operating rooms, including a
urology operating room.

The Progressive Care Unit will have 40 beds in 20 rooms.
Better monitoring in the new units will process patients more efficiently.

Room 2227, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eureka!

Certain plaques recognized major donors to the hospital as
we made the tour. Not all were business barons, some were ordinary people who
used the resources they had to make a difference.

Saint Joseph Hospital and the sisters of Orange are celebrating 100 years of service
that began in our community before World War I. It employs 1200 people in our
county alone and includes some 14 hospitals across the country. With our
support we can only hope that they will continue to serve our communities for
another 100 years and more.

Jun 11, 2012

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

June 11, 2012

President Greg Pierson reminded us this would be his last
meeting at the podium, and Papa Hank promptly reminded us the President’s
birthday is today. So, we bravely sang happy birthday to outgoing President Greg.
Keeping it a family affair, Sharon Pierson led the pledge of allegiance. Then,
Eric Bergel gave the invocation, praying for us to “live and let live, forgive
and forget.” Eric then led us in what is commonly known as a prayer of St
Francis.

Visiting Rotarians

Eric Smith of Old Town, Jane Schwalbe of Arcata Noon, Jim
Seiler from Fortuna, Jacqueline Debets from Arcata Sunrise, Sharon Cissna of
Arcata, Kristin Zeller of Southwest, John Stocum from Old Town and Brandi
Easter of Arcata Sunrise.

Guests of Rotarians

Bruce Rupp brought his wife Marilyn; Carlton Nielsen
introduced Sharon Pierson; Ken Stoddard introduced his granddaughter who is
also President of St. Bernard’s graduating class, also graduated with a 4.0 and
other costly all league honors were mentioned. Dave Dillon brought is lovely granddaughter, Samantha Hovis.
Jamie Farrell was also a familiar guest; Eric Bergel’s wife, Kim, sat with him.

Paul Hagan’s mother who is here to attend the graduation of her granddaughter
(Paul’s daughter is graduating from High School).

Student guests

Exchange student Tonje Sorum played her guitar for our
club. She played and sang well
(albeit softly).

Sally and Phil Arnot (6/1), Tim and Marilyn Gallagher (6/3),
Don and Barbara Leonard (6/7), Dan and Karen Price (6/5), John and Jackie
McBeth (6/17), Matt and Heidi Messner (6/16), Mandy and Tom Nash (6/14), Wendy
Purnell and Terry Dickinson (6/6), Don and Cecilia Smullin (6/14), Jim and
Shirley Davis (6/9). There were a
lot of long term marriages celebrated in June, but Al and Marjorie Crnich took
the anniversary cake at 63 years of marriage (6/12)!

Well known local musician and teacher, Don Moehnke died on
Saturday and his Memorial Service will be Sunday 24th of June at
2:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka.

Announcements

Past President Carlton has worked hard with regard to
membership and has been recognized by Rotary International for his efforts.
Receiving a certificate of recognition worthy of framing he was fined $10.

Eric Bergel was thanked for his hard work with youth
exchange and Alicia Cox for her work with club promotions and publicity such as
videos, brochures, etc. Both received certificates of appreciation.

President Greg also served as sponsor to introduce our
newest Rotarian, David Wells. Dave grew up in Myrtletown, went to local schools
and on to College of the Redwoods and Stanford. Dave was Track and Field and
Cross Country coach at HSU for 25 years, then took over the family business in
1993 upon his Father’s passing. Past President Steve Justus welcomed Dave and
challenged him to overcome polio, build ball fields and get to know some fine
Rotarians. Dave received his red badge from President Greg.

The program was interrupted by a trio of birthday singers
from the Montessori school who sang
a non-traditional version of happy birthday to the President and were
cute enough to avoid a fine.

Jack Rieke is our newest Paul Harris Fellow. Eric Smith has
been a friend to Jack all the way back to elementary school and praised Jack as
a business man. Jack got his start with Payless. In 1995 Jack bought Shafer’s
Hardware and has been working hard ever since. He is an avid golfer who has
been in Rotary since 1992 and is president of the Henderson Center Merchants Association.
Jack has been generous with the community on many levels. Pat Folkins reminded
us what it takes to become a Paul Harris sustaining member.

We thanked Maria and her team from Ms. M’s Catering for
providing meals for us during the year.

The drawing was for money and a valuable prize, heartily
advertised by President Pierson.

Aaron Tilch was caught with a Halibut and a big boat, that
he claims was just a ‘write off.’ It cost him $100. When asked how much it
weighed--the fish not the boat—re said “Forty pounds.”

Then a gold Harley appeared in full color. It belonged to
Steve Justus. Steve put $350 toward his Paul Harris Fellowship.

President-elect Nancy Dean said plans are being made to put
out a contract for lunches, but other options are also in the mill.

John Bartholomew announced that Humboldt Regional Occupation
Program (HROP) has asked club members to serve the students and potential
future employees of our community by representing our respective professions to
their classes. Your real time professional experience and knowledge may be
invaluable to the career path these young ones will choose. Please sign up (many did sign up, but if you missed the
meeting I’m sure you can call John).

Saturday June 30 join us on the Madaket. Departure time is
6:45pm and cost is $20.00 per person. Seats are limited (it’s not the Queen
Mary), so contact Mike Cunningham soon at 441-1111 or mike@cmmtax.com.

Program

Rick Littlefield introduced our GSE team from Turkey, who
are slowly working their way north (by skimboard?). Rick thanked the host
families. Rick spoke very highly of our GSE students’ English and their
character, then introduced team leader Ilkay Eker. She lived in the US for a
while then returned to Turkey. She has two children and her family company
produces re-bar and steel products. Ilkay told us about the regions of Turkey
and described what Rotary was doing in her country.

Mete Eroz showed pictures of his family. He works for Vodafone a British hi-tech
company. He has lived all over
Turkey and in Kansas City. He
currently lives in Istanbul and enjoys all sorts of outdoor sports except
playing soccer (it’s not easy to be a Turkish guy and not play soccer).

Ulkem Basdas was born in Izmir. Her sister got married and
produced a niece recently. She is majoring in engineering and is a PhD student
in finance. She works at the Istanbul Borse and likes outdoor sports and
travels widely from the looks of her pictures and fluent English.

Zeynep Ertürk has moved all over the many regions of
Turkey. She is also well traveled and likes Rotary.

Filiz Büyükavcilar was our next guest. She at first said she
was 60 years old; when we were about to ask where she had found the fountain of
your, she then revised her age to 36 and disclosed her marital status of 13 years.
She has children, teaches math and loves to travel.

Several of our guests had fathers who were in the military
and they were asked if they were paid in dollars because they were part of
NATO. Answer: yes and no.

The next question was about Islam and freedom of religion in
Turkey. The answer: While 85% are Muslim in
Turkey, there is freedom of
religion in Turkey.

They were asked about Turkish holidays. The guests mentioned
two big holidays: the first is religious holiday celebrating the day they
became a Republic and another holiday for celebrating youth. This reporter did
not catch the names of these holidays. But they hastened to add they don’t have
as many holidays as we do in America!

Ilkay and others gave club banners to President Greg and
pinned him with a talisman that would protect him from evil, envy and jealousy.
President Greg then presented the GSE team with our club banners as well and
then ran one short, taking the brunt of the embarrassment, and compensating by
giving them each an official tape measure.

Upcoming Meetings

Next week, June 18, will be St. Joseph's Hospital on-site
tour and a map will be sent to each member by e-mail.

The following and final week is June 25, 2012, President's
De-Bunking! July 2nd will be Nancy Dean’s first meeting as
our new president.

President Pierson thanked the club for the privilege of being
president this past year and adjourned the meeting.

Gary
and Kathryn Philp are moving to Scottsdale
this week. We were encouraged to say farewell to the former Sheriff and wife.

Our
Club’s Burls have been posted through May 28th and we can now read
them out at our club web page.

Last
Saturday evening at the Ingo mar was a nice tribute to Joe Mark who is moving
soon. Thanks to Gregg Gardiner for putting on the event. There were many
statements with “whereases and therefores” paying tribute to Joe and his tenure
as CEO at St. Joseph
Hospital.

John
Bartholomew announced that Humboldt Regional Occupation Program (HROP) has
asked club members to serve the students and potential future employees of our
community by representing our respective professions to their classes. Your
real time professional experience and knowledge may be invaluable to the career
path these young ones will choose. Please
sign up (many did sign up, but if you missed the meeting I’m sure you can call
John).

Don’t
miss the Summer Spectacular Blood
Drive. Giving blood was never so fun! Tom
Schallert encouraged our club to give blood on June 9th at the Blood Center.
Supervised activities for kids include Healthsport Zumba and Kick Boxing Demos
and a Mirth First Barbershop Quartet.

Greg
Bowen announced we are staffing the beer booth for the June 15th
District meeting in two hour shifts from 11:00am until 7:00pm (somebody has to
do it).

Christian
Hill announced a community health forum. This forum features some local doctors
who will provide tests and information for heart and blood vessel health next
Thursday June 14th from 5:30-7:00pm at the Humboldt
Bay Aquatic Center (next door to Adorni Center).

Don
Leonard announced the Group Study Exchange from Turkey arrive Saturday and will
still be here to help President Greg celebrate his birthday next Monday June 11th
at our club meeting.

Saturday
June 30, join us on the Madaket. Departure time is 6:45pm and cost is $20.00
per person. Seats are limited (it’s not the Queen Mary), so contact Mike
Cunningham soon at 441-1111 or mike@cmmtax.com.

Eric
Bergel introduced Ron Perry from EHS along with Izzy Piland and Tess Armstrong.
A $200 Rotary grant resulted in student transportation, a historical mural and
an all-star breakfast. Izzy proposed an ongoing partnership between Eureka
Rotary and Eureka
High School. Ron Perry
thanked us for being involved in the education of students in Eureka.

Nancy
Dean said she would like to do something different (going back to an older
protocol) for programs. September birthdays thus met with Nancy in the Southeast corner after the
meeting to plan programs.

Matthew
Owen has been in charge of organizing the programs the past year. President
Greg thanked him for providing excellent meetings for 2011-12 that are both
informative and entertaining.

Raffle

Liana
Simpson and Steve Lafferty won the raffle and were sitting at the same table
which stirred suspicions of un-stirred tickets.

Dave
Dillon’s granddaughter Samantha was the first Rotary exchange student from her
school, traveling to France
in 2004-05. That announcement cost Dave $45 and earned him a tape measure.

Treasurer
Scott Guild brought in a new partner, Anthony D. Stubbs, CPA, to his firm. He
promptly admitted that the firm will not be re-named Aalfs, Evans and Stubbs.

Anthony
Antoville earned his own tape measure for going to Eugene, Oregon
to complete his credential in long term care management.

Russ
Harris got ratted out and was discovered to have caught a 30 lb salmon. It cost
him $125.

Matthew
Owen said, “Please vote tomorrow, June 5th,” and did not mention
voting for his wife--at least not yet.

Program Speaker

Growing
weary of her old job about thirty years ago, Barbara Groom started Lost Coast
Brewery in the 1980’s by making beer in her bathtub. Barbara was unable to
attend our meeting, but Briar Bush from Lost Coast Brewery (LCB) was the
spokesman for LCB today. Around July 1990 the first LCB pub opened. In 1992 LCB
moved to 123 West 3rd downtown and has been there ever since.
LCB is now the 33rd largest regional brewery in the United States.
LCB became the first regional brewery to become larger than 15,000 barrels.
This year they are hoping to produce 70,000 barrels of beer; that equals over a
million cases. That’s a lot of beer going out to the entire world, including
Asia and Europe. Briar explained that while
brewing is actually shrinking world wide, the one growing part of the brew
industry is local craft breweries like LCB. Since there are about 2,500
breweries registered in the U.S.,
the 33rd rank is high. Briar thanked the local population for buying
and presumably, drinking, a lot of beer to get LCB off the ground.

Growth
has been double digits for quite a few years, and Briar says this year he
expects a modest 15% growth. However, the new brewing facility will enable much
faster growth. Wholesalers around the country are begging for his beer, and he
is trying to make the growth organic and timely. He wants to maintain
distribution to his growing market so there have been some self-imposed
limitations. Other
limitations to brewing were discussed through an extended question and answer
session.

Question:

What about problems with interstate regulation of alcohol?

Not
too bad, said Briar. But the Richardson Grove problem is pretty big because it
adds to the cost of shipping. One way to overcome the transportation problem
was to transport to the local and San
Francisco Bay
area first.

Question:

When
will the new brewery be up and running?

The new brewery in Eureka will require a lot of careful planning
and thought. Within about two years he hopes to have the brewery up and
running; but nobody is quoting him (except me).

Question:

How many employees do you currently have?

LCB
currently employs about 35 employees at the brewery, and when the restaurant is
tossed in it comes to more than 80. After
construction, the new brewery will employ many more; I don’t recall that he
said precisely how many.

Backpacks For Kids

Backpack assembly is held during the school year at 4:00pm on Thursdays at Humboldt Moving & Storage on Albee Street in Eureka, between 14th & 15th Streets. For more information, please contact Mindy Bussman.